Ikea claims top spot in furnishings

The Swedish furniture giant said like-for-like sales in the UK and Ireland, where it has 19 stores, had risen by 1 per cent during the 12 months to the end of August to 1.2 billion.

The sluggish growth bucked the trend for the home furnishings sector, with the market shrinking by 7.4 per cent during 2009 as consumers tightened their belts.

As a result, the rise was enough to give Ikea a 6 per cent market share, making it the UK’s most popular supplier of everything for the home from beds and tables to curtains and rugs for the first time, according to figures compiled by Verdict Consulting.

Growth in kitchen sales was particularly strong during the year, rising by 11 per cent on a like-for-like basis.

The group said its new full kitchen service package, under which it will plan, deliver and install kitchens, had proved to be very popular since its launch.